Understanding the Anomalous Zeeman Effect in Advanced Student Laboratories

In summary, the anomalous Zeeman effect was studied in a student laboratory using a spectral lamp filled with vapor from an unknown atom that was excited to the 2D5/2 state. When a static magnetic field of 0.840 Tesla was applied, the single energy level split into multiple levels. Using spectroscopic notation, it was determined that the J=5/2 corresponds to a total angular momentum of 5/2, L=2, and a spin multiplicity of 1/2. The answer to part (a) is the zero-field degeneracy of the multiplet, which is 2J+1.
  • #1
kraigandrews
108
0

Homework Statement


The anomalous Zeeman effect is studied in an advanced student laboratory. A spectral lamp is filled with the vapor of an unknown atom. (It is unknown to the student.) The atoms are excited to the 2D5/2 state with a high frequency electromagnetic field. When a static magnetic field of 0.840 Tesla around the lamp is turned on, the single energy level is observed to split.

a)
How many levels are observed?

b)
What is the energy difference between the levels?


Homework Equations


[itex]\Delta[/itex]E=ml[itex]\mu[/itex]bB


The Attempt at a Solution


The thing that is throwing me off for part is the 5/2 so I am not sure how this plays a factor in the number of energy levels. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you understand what the left superscript 2 stands for? How about the letter "D" and the "5/2"? Perhaps you need to review "spectroscopic notation".
 
  • #3
Ok so the J=5/2 is the total angular momentum, D means L=2, and then the 2 superscript corresponds to 2S+1 therefore the spin multiplicity=1/2. Correct right? then I am unsure of how to find part a from here.
 
  • #4
Correct. Which of these numbers provides the zero-field degeneracy of the multiplet and what is the degeneracy? That is the answer to part (a).
 
  • #5
ok so i got it using 2J+1, thanks.
 

1. What is the anomalous Zeeman effect?

The anomalous Zeeman effect is a phenomenon observed in atomic spectra where spectral lines split into more than the expected number of components when a magnetic field is applied. This effect is not explained by the classical theory of electromagnetism and requires a quantum mechanical explanation.

2. Why is it called the "anomalous" Zeeman effect?

It is called anomalous because it was unexpected and could not be explained by classical physics. The regular Zeeman effect, which only produces two components in the spectral lines, was well understood at the time. The additional splitting observed in the anomalous Zeeman effect was a surprise and required a new understanding of atomic structure.

3. What causes the anomalous Zeeman effect?

The anomalous Zeeman effect is caused by the interaction between the magnetic field and the spin and orbital angular momentum of the electrons in an atom. This interaction leads to energy level splitting, resulting in more spectral line components than expected.

4. How is the anomalous Zeeman effect observed?

The anomalous Zeeman effect is observed by passing light through a sample of gas or vapor in the presence of a magnetic field and analyzing the resulting spectrum. The spectral lines will split into multiple components, and the relative distances between them can provide information about the strength of the magnetic field and the properties of the atoms in the sample.

5. What applications does the anomalous Zeeman effect have?

The anomalous Zeeman effect has applications in various fields, such as astrophysics, where it is used to study the magnetic fields of stars and other celestial bodies. It is also important in spectroscopy, as it provides information about the energy levels and properties of atoms. Additionally, the anomalous Zeeman effect has been used in the development of new technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Similar threads

Zeeman Effect: Homework Questions on n=2 & 3 Energy Levels in 2T Magnetic Field
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
5K
Help Understanding the Zeeman Effect
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
Zeeman Effect - Strong Field
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Normal Zeeman effect of hydrogen atoms
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
5K
I 3p->2s: Why spectral line split into three lines in m. field
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Stern-gerlach vs zeeman effect = paradox?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
4K
I Does spin orbit coupling cause the split in the energy level of the electron?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Why does the anomalous Zeeman effect not show up on some atoms?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculating Magnetic Field Strength for Sodium Zeeman Splitting
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
Does the magnetic field decrease in a Zeeman slower as atoms slow down?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top